Vale QRU No 831 - Barry White

The Queensland Rugby Union community is mourning former State Lock Barry White, who passed away on Boxing Day.

The Queensland Rugby Union community is mourning former State Lock Barry White, who passed away on Boxing Day.

Born in Toowoomba on the 21st September 1942, Barry grew up in the small town of Mt Tyson before boarding at Downlands College from 1955 to 1958. His study lead to a doctorate and a significant career with the Department of Primary Industries.

Barry was involved in re-establishing Rugby Union in Toowoomba in 1963, with the formation of Rangers Club, who competed in the Brisbane B Grade competition in their inaugural year. The Risdon Cup, which remains the symbol of Rugby supremacy on the Darling Downs established the following season. 1964 also saw Barry represent Queensland Country against New South Wales Country, a 14-all draw.

A member of two Premiership winning Brothers sides in 1966 and 1968, Barry had the attention of State selectors.

He first donned maroon for Queensland against Fiji in July of 1969. Alongside Queensland legends Alec Evans, Jules Guerassimoff, Bruce Brown, David Clark and Charlie Woodward, Barry helped record a narrow 17-16 win over the exciting Fijian tourists.

His second and final Queensland cap came the following month, in the annual August clash against Australian Combined Services. This time the maroon jerseys controlled the day to win 26-9.

Barry remained a life-long Queensland Rugby fan.

A Private Funeral was held on January 8th followed by a public function at Hundred Acre Bar, St Lucia Golf Club. Former Queensland and Brothers legends Bob and Barry Honan, Peter Reilly, ‘Rugby’ O’Rourke, Errol Allen, David L’Estrange and Mick Freney were in attendance to farewell their friend and teammate.

Our thoughts are with Barry’s wife Robyn, their two sons Andrew and Peter, his surviving siblings Kerry, Geoff, Denise, Joan, and their extended families.